Green George by Thomas Dambo (Troll No. 50)
A towering recycled-wood troll at Christiania’s entrance, Green George blends street art, sustainability and playful storytelling in the heart of Copenhagen.
Green George is a giant recycled-wood troll by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, sitting at the lively entrance to Freetown Christiania in central Copenhagen. Cross-legged beneath a colourful mural reading “the world is in our hands”, this gentle giant embodies Christiania’s creative spirit and Denmark’s focus on sustainability. It is an easy, free stop where urban street art, countercultural history and playful public sculpture all meet in one compact, photogenic corner.
A brief summary to Green George af Thomas Dambo - Trold nr. 50
- Sydområdet 30, Copenhagen, København K, 1440, DK
- +4553834853
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy Green George with a little more space before Christiania gets busier.
- Bring a camera or phone with a wide-angle lens; the troll, mural and surrounding street art make for striking photos in a tight space.
- Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for an outdoor, urban setting with uneven ground and changing weather conditions.
- Combine your visit with a wider stroll through Christiania to see more community-built art, murals and unconventional architecture.
- Remember that the troll is made from scrap wood; avoid climbing on the sculpture so it can be enjoyed safely by future visitors.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro and Walk from Central Copenhagen
From central Copenhagen, take the M1 or M2 metro line to Christianshavn Station; trains run every few minutes and the ride is about 3–5 minutes from Kongens Nytorv. A standard single-zone ticket costs roughly 20–25 DKK and is valid on metro and buses. From Christianshavn it is around a 10–15 minute urban walk on paved paths and sidewalks to Christiania’s main entrance, suitable for most visitors but less comfortable for those with limited mobility in bad weather.
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City Bus from Inner City
Several city bus lines link the inner city with the Christiania area in roughly 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic and starting point. Use a standard 2-zone ticket or travel card; expect to pay about 20–25 DKK for a single ride. Buses generally run every 6–15 minutes during the day, with reduced frequency evenings and weekends. From the nearest stops it is a short, level walk along busy streets into Christiania where Green George sits near the entrance.
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Bicycle from Central Copenhagen
Cycling is one of the most flexible ways to reach Green George from anywhere in central Copenhagen, typically taking 10–20 minutes along flat, well-marked bike lanes. You can bring your own bike or rent a city bike for around 60–100 DKK for a few hours, depending on provider and season. Traffic is generally bike-friendly but can be busy at peak hours; use lights and reflective gear in low light and be aware that cobblestones and tram tracks in some sections require extra care.
Green George af Thomas Dambo - Trold nr. 50 location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Green George af Thomas Dambo - Trold nr. 50
A gentle giant at Christiania’s gateway
Green George sits just inside the entrance to Freetown Christiania, instantly signalling that you are stepping into one of Copenhagen’s most unconventional neighbourhoods. The troll is a towering figure made from rough planks and offcuts, yet his expression is open and calm, with a broad wooden face that feels more curious than threatening. Seated cross-legged, he occupies a compact gravel forecourt framed by walls, paths and small buildings, so you can walk right up to him and examine each recycled panel and bolt. Around him, Christiania hums with movement: bikes rattling over cobbles, low music drifting from bars, the murmur of conversations in many languages. Green George acts as both guardian and greeter, an oversized character that invites you to slow down, look up and ease into the area’s relaxed, alternative rhythm.Recycled art with a clear message
Danish artist Thomas Dambo created Green George in 2019 as part of a wider series of giant trolls built from discarded materials. This sculpture was assembled from scrap wood sourced in Christiania itself, turning pieces that were destined for the bin into a permanent artwork. Bolted together into thick fingers, long legs and a broad torso, every board and beam on George’s body once had another life, whether as a pallet, a fence panel or a dismantled structure. Behind him rises a vivid mural proclaiming “the world is in our hands”, painted in collaboration with local street artist Rasmus Balstrøm. The slogan and the troll’s cupped palms work together: George appears to cradle a fragile future, reminding visitors that waste can be reimagined and resources cared for. The whole corner becomes an open-air lesson in circular thinking, delivered with humour rather than lecture notes.Part of a worldwide troll-hunting fairytale
Green George is Troll No. 50 in Dambo’s ever-growing “Trail of a 1000 Trolls”, a loose global network of giant sculptures hidden in forests, meadows, beaches and city edges. Many of his works require maps and hikes to find, but George is deliberately easy to visit, a central-city ambassador for the broader troll universe scattered across Denmark and far beyond. While the countryside trolls usually lie under bridges or peer out from woodland clearings, George’s urban setting gives him a different character. He is surrounded by graffiti-covered walls, improvised structures and community-made art, yet he clearly shares their DIY ethos. For travellers who do not have time to roam the suburbs in search of the Six Forgotten Giants, meeting Green George offers a compact taste of Dambo’s fairytale world.Christiania’s creative backdrop
Freetown Christiania has been self-governed since the early 1970s, known for its social experiments, handmade houses and a strong spirit of autonomy. Green George fits neatly into this landscape of workshops, galleries and improvised gardens. Standing in front of him, you might notice the smell of woodsmoke, the clink of tools from nearby studios, or glimpses of colourful murals in every direction. The troll’s rough edges echo the neighbourhood’s patchwork architecture: reclaimed bricks, timber offcuts and painted metal stitched into dwellings and venues. This context is crucial to his charm. Without Christiania around him, George would be a clever piece of sculpture; within it, he becomes a character in a much bigger story about community, creativity and alternative ways of living.A compact, photogenic stop in the city
Although Green George is large, the immediate area is small and intimate. Visitors usually approach along a busy path, suddenly finding the troll framed by the mural and low buildings. There is enough space to step back for full-body photos, but you are never far from his huge wooden hands or the grain of his recycled boards. The sculpture is outdoors and accessible at all hours, making it easy to weave into a day of exploring Copenhagen’s canals, historic streets and waterfront. There is no ticket, no queueing system and no set route: you simply wander in, spend as long as you like, then continue deeper into Christiania or back toward the harbour. For many, this brief encounter with a gentle wooden giant becomes a memorable highlight of the city, precisely because it feels so informal and human-scaled.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Copenhagen By Mie & Friends
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.
C.F. Tietgens Hus
0.7 km
A Neoclassical monument to Danish banking heritage and industrial vision, built for one of history's most influential entrepreneurs.
Circle Bridge
0.9 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Sankt Annæ Pl.
0.9 km
Historic square blending royal heritage, climate innovation, and urban livability in central Copenhagen.
Stromma Canal Tours Copenhagen
1.0 km
A lush botanical oasis at the heart of Copenhagen, featuring historic glasshouses, rare Nordic plants, tranquil lakes, and immersive gardens for every season.
Kongens Nytorv
1.0 km
Historic observatory in Aarhus combining hands-on stargazing, interactive astronomy exhibits, and tranquil parkland with panoramic city views.
Memorial Anchor
1.0 km
A historic anchor monument honoring Danish WWII sailors, set at the heart of scenic Nyhavn, blending maritime history with Copenhagen’s lively canal atmosphere.
Holmens Bro
1.0 km
A modest granite arch in central Copenhagen that quietly connects Slotsholmen’s palaces with the city’s streets, offering classic harbour views and everyday urban life.
Hans Christian Andersen plaque
1.1 km
A modest plaque on elegant Amaliegade quietly marks Hans Christian Andersen’s presence amid the formal mansions and palace axis of Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden.
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard by Louis Hasselriis
1.1 km
Discover Nordic art, culture, and cuisine from Iceland, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands at North Atlantic House, a historic waterfront warehouse in Copenhagen.
Bredgade 18
1.1 km
Explore the architectural elegance of Bredgade 18 in Copenhagen's historic Frederiksstaden district.
Kopenhagen
1.1 km
Spectacular palace at Copenhagen’s core, blending royal grandeur, political intrigue, and centuries of Danish history—home to Parliament, the courts, and the monarchy.
Frederik VII
1.1 km
Bronze monument in central Copenhagen commemorating King Frederik VII and Denmark’s 19th-century transition to constitutional monarchy, steps from political landmarks.
The War Museum
1.1 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
The Danish Parliament
1.1 km
Where copper spires, royal salons and granite façades frame the working heart of Danish democracy on Copenhagen’s historic Island of Power.
Unmissable attractions to see
Christiania
0.1 km
A self-governing “freetown” of murals, lakeside paths and experimental living, tucked behind Copenhagen’s old ramparts in the heart of Christianshavn.
Operaen
0.1 km
Innovative cocktails in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Church of Our Saviour
0.2 km
Copenhagen’s Baroque landmark with a daring spiral spire, soaring views over canals and rooftops, and a luminous interior rich in music, symbolism and royal history.
Lille Mølle
0.3 km
A compact windmill on Christianshavn’s ramparts, Lille Mølle blends defensive history, domestic interiors and gentle canal‑side views in one atmospheric museum.
Sankt Annæ Gade
0.3 km
A narrow Christianshavn street where warehouses became homes, church bells echo over cobblestones, and Copenhagen’s maritime past meets everyday neighborhood life.
Christianshavns Kanal
0.4 km
A 17th‑century canal of cobbles, gables and sailboats, Christianshavns Kanal is Copenhagen’s quietly cinematic waterway at the heart of island life.
North Atlantic House
0.4 km
A 1767 waterfront warehouse transformed into Copenhagen’s vibrant gateway to the art, stories and flavors of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Christianshavn
0.5 km
Experience the lively heart of Helsingborg at Sundstorget, a vibrant square near the Northern Harbour.
Inderhavnsbroen
0.6 km
Explore the evolution of Danish design at Copenhagen's historic Designmuseum Danmark.
Havnepromenade
0.6 km
Discover Copenhagen’s Garden of the Royal Library: an elegant and tranquil retreat bridging royal heritage and modern design in the heart of the Danish capital.
Havnegade Promenaden
0.6 km
Slottsträdgården is Malmö’s central organic garden retreat, blending vibrant themed gardens, historic castle views, and lively year-round events in a lush urban oasis.
Culture Tower on Knippels Bridge
0.7 km
Innovative cocktails and cozy ambiance in a historic Copenhagen setting.
Knippelsbro
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s copper-towered bascule bridge, where four centuries of harbour crossings, functionalist design and everyday city life meet above the Inner Harbour.
The Playhouse
0.7 km
A beautiful English gothic church in the heart of Copenhagen, St Alban’s blends British heritage and Danish history beside the city’s iconic fortifications.
Nyhavnsbroen & Nyhavn
0.8 km
A modest canal bridge with a grand view, Nyhavnsbroen is the perfect perch above Copenhagen’s most colourful harbour and its centuries of maritime stories.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Lola
0.3 km
Bold, travel-inspired cooking and inventive smørrebrød served in a sunny 17th‑century house with a leafy garden hideaway on Christianshavn’s historic ramparts.
Restaurant Kanalen
0.4 km
Seasonal Danish cooking and relaxed Nordic elegance in a historic canalside house on Christianshavn, where boats glide past your table and the water sets the mood.
Cafe Wilder
0.4 km
A cherished French bistro where Parisian charm meets Copenhagen authenticity on the historic streets of Christianshavn.
Restaurant Barr
0.5 km
Modern North Sea cuisine, serious beer and warm Nordic design meet in a historic harbor-front warehouse in the heart of Copenhagen’s Christianshavn.
Kadeau
0.6 km
Bornholm’s wild pantry, refined in a serene Christianshavn dining room, where a seasonal New Nordic tasting menu and two-star precision define an intimate evening.
Khun Juk
0.8 km
Refined Thai dining tucked into Copenhagen’s iconic Nyhavn, where candlelit tables, fresh flowers and layered flavors turn dinner into an intimate evening event.
à terre
0.9 km
à terre brings French fine dining infused with Nordic creativity to central Copenhagen, offering an intimate, innovative tasting menu experience near Copenhagen’s key attractions.
No. 2
0.9 km
Relaxed Nordic brasserie by the Copenhagen waterfront, pairing Michelin‑level know‑how with harbour views, seasonal Danish produce and polished yet informal service.
Skipperkroen
0.9 km
Harbourfront smørrebrød and seafood in an 18th‑century Nyhavn house, pairing classic Danish flavours with canal views from cosy rooms and a lively terrace.
Cap Horn
0.9 km
Candlelit Nordic bistro in a historic Nyhavn townhouse, blending classic Danish seafood, canal views and cosy hygge from late morning to late evening.
Nyhavns Færgekro
1.0 km
Classic Danish cooking and a famed herring buffet in a cozy canal-side tavern, set within one of Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses overlooking Copenhagen’s historic harbor.
King Hans Cellar
1.0 km
Historic vaulted cellars, cutting-edge Nordic cuisine, and centuries-old royal ambiance converge at Copenhagen’s legendary King Hans Cellar fine dining restaurant.
Llama
1.1 km
Latin American flavors, bold cocktails and patterned-tile design bring Peruvian and Mexican energy to a lively, late-night restaurant just off Kongens Nytorv.
Goldfinch
1.1 km
Stylish Cantonese-inspired dining and cocktails on historic Kongens Nytorv, pairing shareable plates with a moody interior in the heart of Copenhagen.
Marchal
1.1 km
Michelin-starred Nordic–French fine dining in the historic elegance of Hotel d’Angleterre on Copenhagen’s grand Kongens Nytorv.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Copenhagenglass
0.8 km
Intimate glassblowing studio and shop near Nyhavn, where Danish maritime-inspired designs and hands-on sessions turn molten glass into memorable Copenhagen souvenirs.
Maritime Antiques &
0.8 km
Atmospheric basement shop near Nyhavn where genuine maritime antiques share space with heritage-inspired clothing and rugged knitwear in a cosy, ship-like setting.
Magasin du Nord
1.0 km
Copenhagen’s classic department store: historic architecture, Nordic style, gourmet treats and relaxed cafés gathered under one elegant roof on Kongens Nytorv.
Zane
1.0 km
Intimate Copenhagen florist and design boutique on stylish Bredgade, blending seasonal blooms, Nordic homeware and thoughtful gifts in a cosy, lived-in space.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
1.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s cosy hygge boutique for Danish design, classic souvenirs, and easy last-minute gifts just off bustling Kongens Nytorv square.
Viking Souvenirs
1.1 km
Authentic Danish and Viking-themed souvenirs in Copenhagen's historic city center.
Danish Souvenirs & luggages
1.1 km
Central Strøget souvenir and luggage shop combining classic Danish mementos with practical travel gear, open long hours for convenient, last‑minute Copenhagen gifts.
Copenhagen Souvenir & Design
1.1 km
Denmark's premier souvenir destination offering authentic Danish heritage, contemporary design, and quality gifts across seven city-center locations.
The Wilde Shop
1.2 km
A boutique vintage shop in Indre By, Copenhagen bringing together handpicked retro clothing, sustainable fashion, and curated Scandinavian style in a welcoming setting.
Danish Souvenirs
1.2 km
Central Copenhagen souvenir hub on Højbro Plads, packed with Danish icons, practical travel extras and long opening hours just steps from Strøget.
Urban Outfitters
1.2 km
Trendy multi-level fashion and lifestyle store bringing Urban Outfitters’ eclectic clothing, homeware and vinyl mix to the heart of Copenhagen’s Østergade.
ILLUM
1.3 km
ILLUM is Copenhagen’s iconic department store, combining world-class fashion, Danish design, gourmet food, and rooftop views in historic Indre By.
Royal Souvenir Shop
1.3 km
Compact and colourful, Royal Souvenir Shop on Bredgade distils Copenhagen into easy‑to‑pack gifts, from royal guards and Vikings to flags, mugs and playful keepsakes.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
1.3 km
Historic Renaissance townhouse on Strøget where hand‑painted Royal Copenhagen porcelain, royal history and Danish design culture meet across three atmospheric floors.
Magnolias
1.3 km
A compact, upscale secondhand boutique on Købmagergade, Magnolias blends Copenhagen chic with curated pre-loved designer fashion in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eiffel bar
0.4 km
Experience the cozy atmosphere of Eiffel Bar in Copenhagen, where friendly service meets affordable drinks in a charming setting.
TATA Cocktail Bar
0.8 km
A velvet-draped, fireplace-warmed cocktail hideaway inside Hotel Sanders, where classic mixology, Danish design and theatre-inspired charm blend seamlessly.
Brønnum
1.0 km
An opulent, multi‑room cocktail bar steps from Kongens Nytorv, where historic townhouse elegance meets contemporary mixology and candlelit late‑night conversation.
Lassie Bar
1.0 km
A classic Amager brown bar where bottled beer, schnapps and neighborhood chatter create a quietly authentic slice of everyday Copenhagen nightlife.
Ved Stranden
1.2 km
Canal-side natural wine bar and shop in a historic townhouse, blending Copenhagen charm, thoughtful bottles and relaxed, living-room warmth by Christiansborg Palace.
K-Bar
1.2 km
Intimate harbourfront cocktail den in central Copenhagen, known for monochrome style, inventive infusions and quietly confident classics poured with real care.
Balthazar
1.2 km
A luxurious Champagne bar at Hotel d’Angleterre, pairing an extensive bubbles list and crafted cocktails with velvet-luxe interiors and a lively DJ-backed ambience.
Bar Deco
1.2 km
Intimate Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar near Kongens Nytorv, pairing crafted drinks with moody lighting and a relaxed, grown‑up Copenhagen atmosphere.
Aloha Beach Bar
1.2 km
Island-inspired cocktails, neon glow and late-night party vibes packed into a compact tropical bar just off Gothersgade in central Copenhagen.
1105
1.2 km
Intimate, dimly lit cocktail bar in Copenhagen’s 1105 postcode, pairing dark, elegant interiors with carefully crafted Nordic-inspired drinks and classic mixes.
The Dubliner
1.3 km
Lively Irish pub energy on Copenhagen’s Amagertorv, serving hearty pub classics, well-poured pints, live music and big-screen sport in a cosy, wood-lined setting.
The Bird and The Churchkey
1.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Bird and The Churchkey, a must-visit bar in Copenhagen for craft beer and creative cocktails.
Whammy Bar
1.3 km
Colourful neighbourhood bar on Amager serving generous cocktails, draft beers and American‑style comfort food to a friendly crowd of locals and visitors.
Charlie's Bar
1.3 km
Discover the enchanting atmosphere of Charlie's Bar, a cozy haven in Copenhagen offering a diverse drink selection and a vibrant local vibe.
The Moose
1.4 km
Graffiti-plastered walls, infamous moose murals and cheap late-night beers make this smoky Indre By dive bar a gritty, unpolished slice of Copenhagen nightlife.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Lusso
1.2 km
A compact, high-end Copenhagen nightclub with champagne-forward table service, dim lighting and a stylish late-night crowd just steps from Kongens Nytorv.
The Zoo
1.3 km
Intimate late-night nightclub on Sværtegade in Copenhagen’s historic center, blending a compact dance floor, DJ-driven beats and a casual, social bar atmosphere.
Mini Bar
1.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Mini Bar, a premier night club offering eclectic tunes and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Chateau Motel
1.6 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Club Mambo
1.6 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Hive
1.6 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Culture Box
1.7 km
Discover the heartbeat of Copenhagen's nightlife at Culture Box, where music, art, and dance create an unforgettable experience.
Mirror
1.7 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
1.7 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
Miami Bar
1.7 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Dorsia
1.8 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
La Terraza
1.8 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Arch
1.9 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Cosy Bar
1.9 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Mirage
1.9 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Street Art
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- TikTok-Friendly
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- Business Friendly
